Born Don Stansauk, he changed his name to Don Haggerty. After a stint as a professional football player with the Green Bay Packers, he entered wrestling and soon adopted the moniker "Hard Boiled Haggerty," which shortened to H. B., became his professional name for acting appearances. He wrestled for thirty five years, using a tough heel persona. This carried over into film and television, where with his imposing frame, bald head, and walrus moustache, he was frequently cast as thugs, guards, bullies, bikers, and inevitably, wrestlers.